Gandhi said ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ I’m just saying please don’t try to ram it down my throat, whatever it is. Let me look at the menu, take a nibble and then ask you about the specials.
After all, if the only activism you’re involved in is addressing people on Facebook (or ironically, Daily Kos) how do you expect to make a difference preaching to people who believe the same things (or virtually the same things) as you? The world is not watching your every move here. No one hangs on your every word (I refuse to believe this, honestly, I'm just being polite.) Depending on the size of your circle of followers and friends, twenty to several thousand people might ‘like’ or 'rec' what you say on any given day. Am I a hypocrite for writing this then? No. I’m talking to the twenty or so people that might read what I write, in the hopes that they’ll actually think on it and then maybe act on it.
Fighting against animal cruelty? Don't just post stuff, DO stuff. Sign stuff. Online activism matters and it works. When signing petitions about animal cruelty, include the following language: "This is why we need a National Animal Abuse Registry similar to the sex offender data base. The technology is already in place." (FYI: New York is already starting this thanks to thousands who are pushing for it.) Volunteer at shelters to walk dogs or play with cats and bunnies.
Please watch your neighbourhood. Look out for abandoned or homeless animals. Stop kids from throwing rocks at stray cats or dogs. Ask them if they like it when they get picked on. GET ON THE PHONE if you see an animal locked in a car on hot day. Especially if that car is in the sun. It’s illegal in most states. Be the person that calls the police. Do you really want to wonder how long it takes that dog to die? Speak to that pet owner when they come out of the store. If you can, have printed literature to hand them or place on their windshield. (ASPCA has some pdf ones you can download here: https://www.aspca.org/... )
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, are you wearing leather? Doesn’t that defeat your argument? Be that person who takes a stand, but please don’t try to guilt me into your beliefs. Maybe I tried them and they weren’t for me. Know that I really do know where my meat comes from. I understand how it’s killed and, yes, I thank that animal for its nourishment. Meat eaters and pescatarians know where your food comes from and buy the most humanely raised/killed that you can afford.
Looking to stop world hunger? Who are you feeding? And what are you eating? Is the food you’re eating benefiting the planet or depleting it? Is your food from a conflict area? Is the packaging recyclable? Is it grown within your area, your own backyard? Do you have extra? Please share with your church, your food banks, your neighbours, your child’s school. Yes, even that homeless guy on the street.
Looking to help abortion rights, women’s rights, GLBT rights? I think you know. Sign the petitions, march the marches, teach in teaching moments. Be THAT person that stands up for the cause, without rage, without judgment, without anger. People don’t hear words of anger in a debate, they are too busy formulating their own response. Know your topic, use personal experiences and educate from a place of calm and understanding. Know the difference between opinion and judgment and try not to let yourself react in anger to either when poorly expressed, it does your side no favours.
Looking for world peace? Stop blaming every other religion, person, country or culture and look to your own self. Do blame and rage look back at you from your mirror? If you constantly feel rage, you will project rage and then where is your peace? There are many names for a cup, but it is something we all can all drink from and there is never only one way to enter a room.
Yes, there are uneducated people. There are even stupid, ignorant people who will never see your side. There are mean people. Some know better, others have never known better and repeat a cycle that they don’t even know exists. Still, there are very few people in this world of seven billion that deserve true hatred. And by hatred, I honestly mean burning your enemies alive while you watch and roast marshmallows in the flames - that is my definition of hate, yours may vary.
Yelling loudly from a forum without the actions that should go hand in hand make hollow words for any cause.